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FAQs

Customised training programmes produce better business results and have more relevance from a language skills development perspective. The key to tailored training programmes is conducting an effective Training Needs Analysis and setting measurable goals. We use a number of proprietary Language Key assessment tools and pre-training assignments to customise each course, workshop and 1-1 executive training programme.

Language Key develop their own professional training materials and do use of off-the-shelf textbooks since we understand every client has specific training objectives. Our training materials are customised and relate to what your employees deal with on a day to day basis. Training participants receive a printed workshop handbook.

Yes, we would be happy to send you a course outline of such programmes. We have worked with many logistics companies, including Wallem. Here is a short list of the shipping and logistics companies we have designed speaking and writing programmes for over the last few years: Assudamal & Sons (HK) Limited, Blue Bell, Cathay Pacific, Citic Pacific, Maersk, Mol Logisitcs, Pacific Basin, Airport Authority, Hong Kong International Terminals and many others.

Certainly. We can run both courses at the same time, and adapt the material for the language level of the participants. Many clients prefer this option so that their staff all learn the same core skills but at a comfortable pace.

Yes, the Corporate Trainer will create a report for each participant who attended 80% of the sessions (an accurate report cannot be written for those who fail to attend). The student reports are sent to the HR department, and participants will be given an overall grade (based on the BULATS grading system). They will also receive feedback on their final assignment (where necessary) and suggestions for further development. Certificates will be provided for all participants.

We provide a number of alternatives when it comes to pre-testing. These include simple oral, written or grammar generic assessments to highly tailored assessments focusing on a specific language element related to the target participants’ work.

After pre-testing, we provide you with our feedback regarding your staff’s language levels, which level they should be placed into as well any other useful information we have uncovered. This may include changes to the outline to reflect the staff’s objectives for attending the course.

If you are only arranging one course, we will advise you on which staff may struggle or which staff may be too strong compared with the average level of proficiency.

However, we only consult, and the final decision on enrolling staff into any course is your decision.

If you are looking for a tailored option, then we specialise in providing skills-based language programmes that allow your staff to put the language into immediate practice.

Through research, pre-course discussions, pre-course assessments and collection of samples (written and spoken), we will redraft the outline until you are satisfied with it.

Then, the Programme Manager, working with the trainer/designer will design the programme. We design as we go, working one week in advance. This allows us to be flexible and adapt the course to reflect the needs of the participants as well as incorporate errors and further examples such as real-life role-plays, case-studies or writing analysis.

Each week, the materials can be sent to you for your records, so that you know you are getting what you want.

Yes, this is quite common, especially with tailored programs. A tailored pre-assessment is designed and administered and this is then compared with a similar post-assessment.

For speaking skills, results can be recorded on MP3 and with writing skills, hard copies can be scanned. These can then be given to you in order to check and analyse your staff’s performance for yourself.

Tailored pre and post assessments work well as these can be reviewed and tell an accurate story of your staff’s performance.

We will also write a detailed report for each participant incorporating clear learning objectives. This can be used to assess their performance.

Course evaluation forms are not always the best practice, since you may not get a true reflection of the participant’s feedback if they complete it in the final session and return to the trainer or the coordinator.

Some companies prefer to have an evaluation system built into their intranet system that correlates all the results and allows staff more time to think about the questions before completing the form.

Probably the best option to evaluate the effectiveness of the course would be to liaise with the staff’s supervisors to see what improvements their staff have made before and after the programme.

The trainer is observed at least once by the Programme Manager and a detailed observation form is completed.

After about 5 days, a meeting is organised between the Programme Manager and the trainer to discuss the trainer’s performance. If the score is below average, then a further observation may be conducted during the same course.

We also encourage our trainers to go and observe each other and give feedback.

Training programmes are charged on an individual basis (as each programme is customised to the client's needs) and not per participant. We offer discounts to clients who purchase long-term training programs, or those we have built long term business relationships with.

Yes, we are one of the very few authorised BULATS agents in Hong Kong and have been for over two decades. As a BULATS agent, we run and administer BULATS tests and establish and maintain contacts with companies, organisations and training providers throughout Hong Kong. We have been benchmarking employees for some of the most recognisable companies in Hong Kong for over a decade.

We offer provide excellent customer service to ensure that Cambridge English guidelines and standards are upheld at all times and ensure an efficient operation.

Cambridge English Qualifications are accepted and trusted by thousands of leading employers and organisations worldwide. They are a mark of excellence, opening doors and giving you the skills and confidence to thrive.

Cambridge English Qualifications are in-depth exams that make learning English enjoyable, effective and rewarding. Designed to help professionals develop the English language skills to communicate confidently in an international workplace, these business qualifications prove to employers that you have the English language skills to succeed.

BULATS’ modular format allows testing of all four language skills: Reading and Listening, Speaking, and Writing. You can use the tests in any combination to meet your specific needs. The tests can be taken on a computer with a good internet connection. You can take the exam at our assessment centre, or in your own office (with one of our examiners present). Note: BULATS tests were formerly available in paper format and for languages other than English. Since December 2016, these formats are now no longer offered by Cambridge English.

Soft skills blend interpersonal, communication & social skills to aid in effective interaction with others. This boosts the ability and confidence of your employees to work well with others to accomplish career and company goals.

Most programmes are designed to be delivered in one day, generating maximum impact in the shortest time. They are delivered in workshop format with coaching, peer feedback, role-play and mock scenarios.

Workshop sizes range from 6-30 depending on a number of factors. We prefer small class sizes so that every students can get individualised attention from the trainer. If we are working with your team in your offices, class sizes depend on the delivery method you prefer and how many of your team will be in attendance. We prefer between 5-30 but no more than 50 attendees. However, we customise our training to your needs, so we’ll accommodate your staff numbers.

Language Key Trainers are experts in their respective areas and bring extensive real world experience into the workshops. They are hand picked for their knowledge, experience and training style. As we deliver customised programmes, our Soft Skill Trainers understand different learning styles and personalise their teachings as much as possible to ensure you get your return on investment.

Yes. Our Director of Training will conduct a in-depth Needs Analysis meeting with you to determine the exact requirements of your employees, as well as the specific workshop objectives.

Furthermore, a pre-workshop questionnaire will be given to the participants to identify weaknesses and areas to be worked on. Once this process has been completed, the workshop outline will be finalised.

The Language Key Ltd writes and produces the workshop material. Before the workshop starts, research is conducted into the client to tailor the workshops to the exact needs of the client (following a Needs Analysis meeting). A master copy is given to the Learning & Department for their records after the workshop finishes.

"Positive feedback was received from the course participants especially for the trainers, the teaching methodology and the course materials. We have been using The Language Key for 4 years and have found that with all the courses they have taught, they have been able to meet our objectives and those of the participants." (Oral and Writing Skills Workshops for different grades of staff) Learning and Development Manager, H.R., Philips

"The Language Key provided a very professional approach to language training and were flexible in order to meet the needs of the trainees. We are very grateful for their quality services." (Writing Skills Courses)Training Manager, Training Dept. The Bank of East Asia Ltd.

"We would like to thank The Language Key for organizing such an interesting English course for us. The course was tailor-made based on our needs and the participants felt that they had gained valuable and useful language structures in order to communicate more effectively in the workplace. In addition, positive feedback was received from the participants, especially for the trainer. She was friendly, lively and approachable. Overall, the course was well-planned, interactive and fun with a lot of emphasis placed on practice related to the workplace. We would definitely recommend other companies to use The Language Key for their English training." Human Resources Manager, Edward Keller Ltd.

"The Language Key online courses constitute a great leap in our English training. We are now using a blended learning approach in language training, combining online tutorials with classroom learning. A successful program that will continually be made available to our staff." (Online Business Writing Skills Courses – Two Levels, Tailored Online Writing Course for Marketing Staff)Training and Development Manager. HKTDC

"The Language Key has provided a very professional approach to language training especially in the development process of course outline. Furthermore, the trainer is friendly and approachable. He always encourages an active learning environment and fosters an enjoyable class. Overall, we have received positive feedback from the course participants." (Business Communication Skills Courses for Merchandisers)Human Resources Manager, Phillips-Van Heusen

"We are glad to be able to get such great a benefit from such a short course. We got exactly what we wanted, and that's the point. Thanks to Language Key!" Training Coordinator, Siemens

"I found the training given by Language Key to me on Presentation Skills, Report Writing and Meeting Skills was very helpful in upgrading my work efficiency. It seems that my business writing and presence at meetings are getting more professional and confident as a result of this course." Office Manager, Vodafone

"The training helped silent people to open their mouths. Your class gave those who are shy to speak English enough courage for the first time." HR Manager, Unisys